SCOTUS Moves Closer to Legalizing Dictatorship as Trump's Unilateral, Unconstitutional War on Iran Goes Largely Unopposed - Resistance Brief for 25 June 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Welcome!

Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, a publication dedicated to documenting and amplifying the movement to defend democracy against authoritarian rule. So far, the week has been marred with bleak news on the resistance front. Though lower courts have continued to deal blows to the regime, U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump regime to continue its horrendous practice of sending immigrants to countries with which they have no ties and on short notice. Trump unilaterally declared war on Iran without so much as notifying Congress of his plans. While Congressional Democrats continue to vocally oppose the regime, their resistance remains primarily rhetorical and symbolic, far too weak to meet the moment. Similarly, the U.K. and NATO allies have remained silent or backed Trump’s illegal war. Colorado appears poised to cave to Trump on his ridiculous complaints about his portrait there, while nations abroad stay silent, support, or copy Trump’s authoritarian behaviors. Finally, Trump’s attack on Iran continues to spark some dissension among his supporters, but most seem to have fallen in line behind their dear leader. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first…

Daily Inspiration

✊ Two National Guard members accompanied their mother to her ICE meeting in Chicago. They went with her to make sure she would not be subject to detention or deportation despite her status as legally residing in the United States. This is the kind of “deployment” of the National Guard we should see more of, not their unconstitutional use against U.S. citizens protesting Trump’s gestapo tactics.

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

Thousands protest against Trump's Iran strikes in cities around the world

What happened: Thousands of people around the world protested against Trump's Iran strikes, showing widespread opposition to his actions.

⬆️ Why it matters: This display of global protest to Trump’s illegal war with Iran is an important sign of international solidarity with those inside the United States working to counter Trump’s authoritarian consolidation.

Legal & Judicial

In win for Trump, Supreme Court lifts judge's limits on deportations to third-party countries

What happened: The Supreme Court lifted a judge's order requiring migrants to be given the chance to contest their removal to countries other than their own, a win for the Trump regime's efforts to rapidly deport them.

⬇️ Why it matters: This decision undermines the rule of law and limits due process for migrant detainees, potentially leading to increased violence and persecution against those fleeing their home countries.

Federal Judge Orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Release Before Trial

What happened: A federal judge ruled that Kilmar Abrego Garcia should be released before his trial on immigrant smuggling charges due to lack of plausible evidence that he posed a danger.

⬆️ Why it matters: This ruling is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it highlights the vulnerability of Trump regime policies and practices when held accountable by the courts.

US judge blocks Trump plan to close Harvard's doors to international students

What happened: A federal judge blocked Trump's plan to bar international students from studying at Harvard, ruling it likely violated constitutional rights of free speech.

⬆️ Why it matters: This decision protects academic freedom and resists authoritarian efforts to punish institutions based on ideological differences.

Trump cannot end union bargaining for federal workers, judge rules

What happened: A federal judge blocked Trump's attempt to end union bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, ruling the move likely violated the First Amendment.

⬆️ Why it matters: This decision preserves unions' power to challenge authoritarian policies and protects federal employees from retaliatory actions by the Trump regime.

Senior DOJ Official Suggested Department Tell Courts ‘F*** You’ And Ignore Orders, Whistleblower Says

What happened: DOJ official Emil Bove suggested the department defy federal court orders to execute Trump's deportation plans, according to a whistleblower complaint by former DOJ attorney Erez Reuveni.

⬆️ Why it matters: These allegations expose efforts by Trump administration officials to undermine judicial authority and the rule of law, risking judicial backlash and potentially damaging Trump's nominee for a federal judgeship. It is also an example of courageous whistleblowing on the part of a DOJ employee.

Court orders Trump admin to facilitate another deported man's return from El Salvador

What happened: A federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the immediate return of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, marking the fourth such case this year.

⬆️ Why it matters: The ruling reinforces judicial accountability against Trump’s aggressive deportation policies, representing at least a momentary setback to authoritarian overreach.

Congress & Lawmakers

Democrats to Protest Trump’s Takeover of Kennedy Center With Pride Event

What happened: Five Democratic senators have rented a small theater at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to stage a gay pride concert as a form of symbolic protest against President Trump's takeover of the institution.

⬆️ Why it matters: This event showcases at least some Democratic lawmakers’ willingness to stand up against the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights and artistic freedom under Trump's regime. Nonetheless, such actions remain largely symbolic and unlikely to have much impact on the regime.

128 Democrats join House Republicans to block AOC, Al Green bid to impeach Trump

What happened: 128 Democrats join House Republicans to block an effort to impeach President Trump on Tuesday.

⬇️ Why it matters: This development is bad news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it suggests a lack of unified opposition from the Democratic Party against Trump's actions, potentially emboldening his regime and undermining efforts to hold him accountable. It reinforces that Congressional Democrats cannot even muster the will to hold Trump accountable for blatant violations of the Constitution with respect to Congress’s own core powers.

Democrats in Congress Decry Trump’s Iran Strikes as Unconstitutional

What happened: Democrats in Congress denounced President Trump's Iran strikes as unconstitutional and accused him of flouting the War Powers Act and misleading the public.

⬆️ Why it matters: Clearly labeling Trump’s actions as what they are, unconstitutional, is important. Democrats must continue to do so loudly. However, they must also do everything possible to move beyond mere rhetorical and symbolic resistance.

AOC Mocks Pete Hegseth for Clearing Exceptionally Low Bar on Iran

What happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez mocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his ability to keep secrets about US military plans without leaking any information, saying he should not be commended now for the most basic level of competence.

⬆️ Why it matters: It is important to call out the regime and its incompetence, hypocrisy, and illegality at every turn. AOC does so with flare and humor, which is to be commended. Once again, however, more than rhetorical resistance is now desperately needed.

State & Local Governments

After Trump gripe, presidential portraits at the Colorado Capitol may be replaced with governors

What happened: The Colorado Capitol is considering replacing the presidential portraits with paintings of the state's former governors in response to President Donald Trump's complaints about his likeness.

⬇️ Why it matters: Caving to the bullying of the would-be autocrat is never a good idea. While local leaders may assume that compromising on small issues will put them in the autocrat’s good graces later, that is rarely the case.

Some governors oppose planned public land selloff in Trump bill

What happened: Some governors oppose a Republican-sponsored proposal to mandate the sale of federal public lands in a bill before Congress.

⬆️ Why it matters: This opposition suggests that even within the Republican Party, there are voices questioning Trump regime plans for public land sales, potentially creating divisions and undermining authoritarian consolidation efforts.

Newsom v. Trump judge orders L.A. troop deployment records handed over

What happened: A California judge has ordered the release of records related to the deployment of U.S. troops in Los Angeles under Trump's presidency.

⬆️ Why it matters: This decision may undermine the Trump regime's efforts to conceal its actions and provide evidence for potential investigations into Trump’s illegal use of the military to stifle protests.

Arizona Attorney General files 19th lawsuit against Trump

What happened: Arizona Attorney General files 19th lawsuit against the Trump regime over cuts in federal funding and grants.

⬆️ Why it matters: This represents yet another lega challenge to the Trump regime's unilateral decisions and its disregard for democratic principles.

International Resistance

Inspired by Trump, more leaders consider sending detainees to Bukele

What happened: At least two Latin American governments are discussing sending detainees to El Salvador's notorious prison system, following the lead of the Trump regime.

⬇️ Why it matters: This development is bad news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it suggests that the Trump regime's approach of using imprisonment and deportation as a tool for control has gained international traction.

As Trump and Netanyahu Push for War, Europe Is Once Again Silent

What happened: European capitals are unwilling to strain ties with Washington ahead of a NATO summit, watching the Israeli and US offensive against Iran from the sidelines.

⬇️ Why it matters: The silence from Europe underscores the sputtering absence of a collective European foreign policy, allowing authoritarian consolidation under Trump regime to proceed without significant opposition or restraint.

Starmer backs Trump’s Iran bombing saying Tehran cannot develop a nuclear weapon

What happened: Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has backed US President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites, stating that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

⬇️ Why it matters: This backing for Trump's military action raises concerns about the UK's alignment with the Trump regime and its stance on issues related to the widening war in the Middle East.

Starmer defends US action in Iran and calls for de-escalation

What happened: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended US President Donald Trump's actions in the Middle East as he called for a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel to be respected.

⬇️ Why it matters: The article is bad news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it shows support from a major Western leader like Starmer for Trump's aggressive foreign policy actions, potentially emboldening authoritarian leaders worldwide.

Canada signs deal deepening European defence and security partnership | CBC News

What happened: Canada signs a strategic defence and security partnership with the European Union, marking a significant step towards reducing its reliance on the US and increasing its involvement in international military cooperation.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it suggests that Europe and other Western countries are taking steps to counterbalance the influence of authoritarian regimes like those led by Trump.

Trump posts message on way to summit that he claims is from Nato chief congratulating him on ‘truly extraordinary’ actions – Europe live

What happened: US President Donald Trump claims to have received a congratulatory message from NATO chief Mark Rutte for his actions, which he believes will deliver peace for generations to come.

⬇️ Why it matters: NATO backing of Trump’s illegal war against Iran undermines Europe’s resistance to the U.S. regime’s authoritarian consolidation, effectively green lighting Trump’s blatant violation of the Constitution.

Tesla accused of deceptive marketing by French government

What happened: French authorities have accused Tesla of deceptive marketing by requiring the company to stop advertising its cars as fully self-driving or face €50,000-a-day fines.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is important because it highlights the efforts of democratic nations like France to curb the spread of misinformation and deceptive practices by powerful corporations who back American authoritarian consolidation.

Tesla’s European car sales nosedive for fifth month as customers switch to Chinese EVs

What happened: Tesla's European car sales have nosedived for the fifth month in a row, falling 27.9% year-over-year, as customers switch to cheaper Chinese electric vehicles.

⬆️ Why it matters: The continued negative economic impacts on Elon Musk’s companies as a result of his material support for Trumpist authoritarianism is an example of the effectiveness of economic noncooperation as a tactic of nonviolent resistance.

The country easing visa rules to draw people barred from US by Trump

What happened: Spain has announced expedited university access for foreign students barred from entering the US due to visa suspensions imposed by the Trump regime.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news, as it provides an alternative pathway for international students affected by the Trump regime's visa policies and strengthens the appeal of Spain as a destination for academic talent.

Media & Tech

“FuckLAPD.com’ Lets Anyone Use Facial Recognition to Instantly Identify Cops”

What happened: A new website, FuckLAPD.com, allows anyone to use facial recognition technology to instantly identify Los Angeles police officers by name and badge number.

⬆️ Why it matters: This increases police accountability and transparency, potentially empowering resistance against authoritarian abuses of power. Now we need the same for the masked ICE agents kidnapping people off of American streets.

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

Laura Ingraham says “heads should roll” if Donald Trump was wrong about Iranian bombing damage assessment

What happened: Laura Ingraham says that if Donald Trump was wrong about the damage assessment of the Iranian bombing, heads should roll, implying a willingness to hold officials accountable for mistakes.

⬆️ Why it matters: This statement suggests a potential shift in the tone and accountability within the Trump regime, potentially indicating a more critical and scrutinizing approach towards its actions by prominent supporters.

Joe Rogan decries ICE raids on Home Depots and construction sites: "I don't think anybody would have signed up for that"

What happened: Joe Rogan criticized the Trump regime's actions in targeting Home Depots and construction sites during ICE raids, suggesting that such a plan would be unprecedented and unexpected.

⬆️ Why it matters: This criticism represents a potential loss or negative development for Trump regime's efforts to consolidate power through enforcement of immigration laws, indicating that even once vocal supporters are turning against the regime’s cruelty.

Alex Jones says he's “very, very sad” about Trump's "big, big mistake” in striking Iran

What happened: Alex Jones expresses disappointment and concern about Trump's decision to strike Iran, predicting economic depression and a potential full war with Iran.

⬆️ Why it matters: This statement is good news for resistance to authoritarianism as it suggests that even some prominent figures like Alex Jones are criticizing and questioning the actions of the Trump regime, potentially undermining its efforts to consolidate power.

What We’re Reading

📚American Democracy Might Not Survive a War With Iran

What happened: The US may be on the path to authoritarian consolidation if it goes to war with Iran, which could lead to a dictatorship under Trump's leadership.

Why it matters: This scenario highlights the potential consequences of extreme military action in the Middle East and underscores the risks of President Trump's actions escalating into a full-blown authoritarian regime. While we think the U.S. is already well down this path, this is, nonetheless, a good read.

📚We are witnessing the death of American democracy

What happened: The article suggests that the US is witnessing the erosion of democratic institutions and the consolidation of authoritarian power under the Trump regime, with ominous parallels to Nazi Germany in 1933.

Why it matters: This essay highlights the dangers of unchecked executive power and the erosion of democratic norms, which can lead to the suppression of dissenting voices, the manipulation of information, and the consolidation of authoritarian control.

Generative AI Use Disclosure: Included articles are curated manually by the editors of the Resistance Sentinel. Generative AI is used to assist in the summarization of news articles. All items are read and edited by human editors before posting.